With just two points from their first four league games, the Silkmen could use some good news.

What they didn't want to hear was that Saturday's opponents Scunthorpe have hit form and are likely to have two key players back in the first team.

After Monday's 4-0 defeat at Mansfield, manager Gil Prescott apologised to Macclesfield's travelling fans for the abject nature of his side's display, saying he could not think of one thing the team had done well.

And he will know that any repeat of that display will lead to another defeat against the improving Iron.

Terrible start to season

Brian Laws' side started the season in even worse form than the Silkmen - losing their first three matches and scoring just once. However, an away trip to Exeter on Saturday saw Peter Beagrie in inspired form and his wing wizardry paved the way for a 4-0 thrashing of the Grecians.

On Bank Holiday Monday they picked up another point - earning a 1-1 draw at home against Lincoln City after Beagrie had given them the lead in the second minute.

However, against the Red Imps they missed a number of opportunities to make the game safe, so Laws will be keen to welcome back his two most accomplished finishers for Saturday's clash.

Experienced hitman

Steve Torpey, formerly of Swansea City and Bristol City, missed the first five matches of the season due to suspension but should go straight into the team on Saturday in place of Kim Grant. Although the tall striker's strike rate is only slightly better than a goal every fourth games, Laws is confident he will prosper from Beagrie's constant supply of teasing left wing crosses.

And talented midfielder Alex Calvo-Garcia could also start having shaken off a knee ligament injury that has kept him out so far this season.

Calvo-Garcia is the main playmaker for the Iron, and with him and Beagrie in harness Macclesfield will need a vast improvement on Monday's showing if they are to get anything from the game.

One bit of good news for Prescott is that Chris Byrne could be available having missed both matches over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Can the Silkmen beat Scunthorpe? Do they need to bring in some new signings, or can the squad get back to winning ways? Let us know your views.